Clinical Research

Clinical trials are fundamental to the advancement of medical science. They explore new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease, and ultimately to improve the quality of life. You may decide to participate in a clinical trial for any of a number of reasons. Some volunteers participate in understanding that it is only through their involvement that medical science can be moved forward. Others hope to benefit from a new treatment or procedure that is still under study. Fundamentally, clinical trials move medical care into the future!

Clinical Research Trials are used to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medications or medical devices by monitoring their effects on groups of patients. They are conducted in a series of steps called phases. Each phase is designed to answer separate research questions.

• Phase I: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety and identify side effects.
• Phase II: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
• Phase III: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare it to commonly used treatments.
• Phase IV: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug’s effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.

Dr. Hedaya’s research interests include new treatments for retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal vein occlusion.

Dr. Kruger’s research interests include new treatments for retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal vein occlusion. Dr. Kruger has been the principal investigator on numerous clinical trials, many of which have resulted in new therapies. He has been involved in clinical research for over 15 years.

Dr. Daniel Lutz is a sub-investigator on several studies. His research interests include medical and surgical glaucoma treatment.

Dr. Reiser’s research interests include cataract and refractive surgery and innovative glaucoma therapies. He has been the principal investigator on numerous studies and has published many research articles in medical journals. He has been a speaker at ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons) conferences.

Dr. Roth’s research interests include eyelid and facial plastic surgery. He also participates in cataract and refractive and dry eye studies. He has been both a principal investigator as well as a sub-investigator on numerous clinical trials.

Dr. Savage’s research interests include new treatments for retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal vein occlusion. Dr. Savage has been a sub-investigator on numerous clinical trials, many of which have resulted in new therapies. He has been involved in clinical research for over 15 years.

Dr. Cardillo is a sub-investigator on numerous studies, including research on dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive outcomes. She has been involved in clinical research for 10 years.

Patti is our anterior segment Clinical Research Manager. She has been employed at Eye Care Specialists for 15 years. She has vast research experience and has been a study coordinator for over 25 years. Patti’s contact number is 570-714-5910

Patty is our posterior segment Clinical Research Manager. She has been employed at Eye Care Specialists for 19 years. She has extensive research experience and has been a study coordinator for over 10 years. Patty’s contact number is 570-714-5901.

Christen is a research technician and joined the research team in 2010. Prior to joining the Research Department, Christen was a clinical technician with Eye Care Specialists.

Leeann is our newest research technician, joining the research department in 2017. Leeann has been employed at Eye Care Specialists as a clinical and surgical technician for over 20 years.